Clinical profile of pruritus in elderly-a study from sub-Himalayan area

Pruritus is a very common clinical entity in geriatric population. It poses not only a diagnostic clue but therapeutic challenge as well. The clinical examination of the skin hardly provides any clue to the etiology of the Pruritus. Detail history and a thorough examination is mandatory to reach a diagnosis. In geriatric population, often only secondary lesions like excoriation, lichenification and eczematous may be mistaken as primary lesions. Xerosis is sometimes coincidental only. This is important to search for Systemic causes if the cause of Pruritus remains unidentified. If the cause is not identified even after thorough work up, the diagnosis of Willan's itch merits consideration. It probably arises due to age-related changes of the skin and cutaneous nerves.